MS O’CONNOR question to MINISTER for INFRASTRUCTURE, Mr VINCENT
I understand the government is pursuing the leasing of the Spirits until such time as we are able to have them here on the island. A global maritime expert told the Mercury newspaper Tasmania could potentially generate significant revenues by leasing the ferries on busy international routes, but there are also advantages to putting the vessels in storage, which I am sure you agree. The quote from IBS Global Chief Executive John Aitkenhead is:
A two‑year charter would be a possibility, but I’d be cautious, as it could take time to establish and may not eventuate.
Minister, how serious is the lease option, and has any cost‑benefit analysis been done on this proposal?
ANSWER
Mr President, thank you to the member for Hobart for the question.
As much as all Tasmanians say they are our boats, they are not actually mine, under my ministry. Rather, they are minister Abetz’s. He would be able to answer those questions for you.
Ms O’Connor – Not infrastructure? The port question is for you, is it not? Just for clarity.
Mr VINCENT – Clarity is that the port structure is also part of TT‑Line.
Ms O’Connor – TasPorts.
Ms Forrest – The above deck.
Mr VINCENT – I will seek advice on it. I just wanted to make sure I was right on that. The existing port structure and the upcoming port structure is part of TT‑Line’s responsibility, not TasPorts’.
Ms O’Connor – Alright, thanks.
